PSG v Man City: Oil Clasico, the battle for survival

You may call it the Oil clasico or the Dollar Derby! But right now, it’s a battle for survival, as Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester city go head to head at the Parc des Princes to secure a playoff spot in this revamped format of the Champions League.

Many City fans would have expected this to be a rather inconsequential game at the beginning of the competition, but it has taken a huge importance after the dreadful start for the English giants.

On the other hand, the Parisians have had the toughest draw of all the teams in this round of the competition. They have already faced Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, and Arsenal prior to this Man City tie and it's not surprising to see them at this stage of the competition.

Manchester City currently sit 22nd on the table, while PSG sit 25th with two games to go and while neither of these teams will seal their fate on Wednesday, both know that anything less than a win will put them in danger of potentially being eliminated in the group/league stage itself which won't just be disastrous for the club but extremely embarrassing for the fans.

What to expect?

Despite beating city last time at home, PSG has won only one of their six encounters with City in UCL (1 draw, 4 losses) which would make City the undisputed favorites but beating PSG at Parc is a tough assignment considering the inviolable support they receive at home.

As for the managers, Luis Enrique and Pep Guardiola will meet for the fifth time in the Champions League, with both having won two matches each.

Can PSG snatch the playoff spot?

Enrique has a significant decision to make regarding the starting lineup on Wednesday. Both Goncalo Ramos and Desire Doue are competing for up-top position, but Doue is likely to be the one chosen. Defense will be critical for PSG on Wednesday, as they face a City attack that has been unstoppable, scoring 20 goals in their last four matches.

New signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will not be available for the remainder of the league phase, with PSG only able to register him to their Champions League squad ahead of the knockout stages

Players to watch-out for :

Paris Saint-Germain : Bradley Barcola

Although he is yet to show up at the European stage, Barcola will keep making in-behind runs through the City's backline and if they slip up a little, the ball's surely going to end at the back of the net.

Manchester City : Erling Haaland

In his first 11 away Champions League appearances, Haaland has scored 11 goals and he'd surely make the PSG defenders feel his presence.

Possible starting Lineup :

PSG : Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos (c), Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Neves; Dembele, Doue, Barcola

Manchester city : Ederson; Lewis, Ruben Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; Bernardo Silva, Kovacic, De Bruyne; Foden, Haaland, Savinho